U21 Report: Saints 0-3 Liverpool

The visitors took the lead after six minutes through Lewis Koumas, but Saints composed themselves as the game became more even in the first half.

Liverpool extended their lead arguably against the run of play towards the end of the first half as Melkamu Frauendorf’s low cross was unfortunately diverted in by Zach Awe.

Despite Saints’ opportunities going forward, the third Liverpool goal came through James Morris in stoppage time.

Saints made four changes from last week’s victory, with Dynel Simeu forced out after coming off with injury against Aston Villa.

Jem Hewlett replaced him in the back four, with Adli Mohamed returning in between the sticks while Alex Stepien-Iwumene and Jay Robinson made their first starts of the season in midfield.

Adli Mohamed returned in between the sticks. (Photos: Chris Moorhouse)

It was Liverpool, who finished second in Premier League 2 Division One last season, that started the strongest at Snows Stadium as their high, structured pressing was causing problems for Saints’ defence.

It took just six minutes for the visitors to open the scoring as their intensity paid off; Koumas intercepted a clearance from Mohamed inside the penalty area and converted his chance via a deflection.

Saints composed themselves and eventually began to find a foothold, albeit without creating too many clear-cut opportunities until the half hour mark.

Dom Ballard, who was looking to add to his impressive consecutive PL2 hat-tricks, had the first notable sight of goal as he picked the ball up halfway inside Liverpool’s half, drove forward, but sent a curling shot just wide of the post from the edge of the area.

Tyler Dibling was next to try his luck as Saints’ search for an equaliser grew stronger but the winger’s low, left-footed effort fired wide after he was released by Derrick Abu.

Princewill Ehibhatiomhan had the next opportunity with the hosts seemingly ending the half in control but just missing the vital finishing touch - a flowing team move involving Abu and Ballard ended with Ehibhatiomhan cutting inside but shooting straight at the goalkeeper.

Derrick Abu had caused some problems coming forward from right-back.

However, arguably against the run of play, Saints were dealt a sucker punch when Liverpool doubled the lead before the break.

Melkamu Frauendorf’s low cross from the right wing was diverted into the back of the net off Zach Awe’s boot and past the wrong-footed Mohamed in goal.

Saints weren’t deterred after the break and continued their search for a way back into the contest, with Ballard going close in the 53rd minute.

The clinical striker was found just outside the penalty area with work to do and he shifted his body well to make space for a shot across goal that was just tipped behind for a corner.

Ballard almost turned provider ten minutes later as he picked out Ehibhatiomhan whose shot flew over from just inside the box.

Liverpool thought they had a third when Koumas rounded Mohamed to finish off an impressive counter, but the Welsh youngster was called back for offside.

Saints' talisman Ballard remained relentless in his pursuit of a goal with a powerful run and finish in the 70th minute that was palmed away at the near post by Marcelo Pitaluga in goal.

As the game ticked into the final ten minutes, Abu made another dangerous foray forward but his left footed attempt from distance flew over the crossbar.

In stoppage time the hosts added a third through Norris, who placed a left-footed shot beyond Mohamed from inside the penalty area.

Saints: Mohamed, Abu, Hewlett, Awe (Moore 80), Meghoma, Bragg, Dibling, Stepien-Iwumene (Andrews 80), Ballard (c), Robinson (Edwards 46), Ehibhatiomhan.

Subs not used: McNamara, Lett.

Yellow cards: Awe 65.

Liverpool: Pitaluga, Mabama (Pilling 59), Scanlon, Stephenson (c), Miles, McConnell (Pinnington 90), Frauendorf, Hill (Spearing 82), Cannonier (Davidson 46), Norris, Koumas.

Subs not used: Kelly.

Goals: Koumas 6, Awe (own goal) 40, Norris 90.

Yellow cards: McConnell 58, Hill 74.